Guests want to feel at home when they travel, so it is your job to make the experience enjoyable. If you prepare the room before your guests arrive, it gives you more time to enjoy their company when they get there – instead of running around for last-minute odds and ends. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make the room feel homey; all you need to do is clear some space, arrange what’s necessary, and give them free rein to relax. Here are a few tips on how to prep a spare room for guests:
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Clean the room
This should be a no-brainer! No one wants to stay somewhere that is dirty and messy, so cleaning should be a top priority. You should dust, vacuum, and clear space for your guests. Toss out or put away your clutter and make sure there’s as much free space as possible. When vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, or mopping, be mindful of your guests. Strong scents and odors may bother them. Consider opening the windows to air out the space before their arrival.
Give the room a makeover
Does your spare room feel outdated? Give the room a much-needed makeover before your guests come into town. One way to do this is by giving the walls a fresh coat of paint. The experts at CertaPro Painters of Bothell suggest choosing neutral or cool pastel colors. You don’t want the color of the room to overwhelm, but to relax and calm. You can also update your bedding, curtains, or hang a new piece of artwork to freshen up the room.
Create space
The drawers and closet in this room should essentially be clear of all your belongings. Guests need a place to set down their suitcase and bags. Decorating Den Interiors – Becky Lane says placing an accent chair, bench, or small table in the room creates an additional surface for them to put their belongings on. Keep empty hangers in the closet for garments that need to be hung. If you don’t have a closet in the room or you absolutely need to store your own items in there, add an over-the-door hook to accommodate hanging clothes.
Don’t neglect the bathroom
It is imperative that you clean the mirror, vanity, toilet, shower, and floor in your bathroom. Make sure your guests have soap, a clean hand towel, toilet paper, and a shower towel. If there is an empty drawer available for them to put their toiletries in, let them know. Though many people prefer to use their own toiletries, it’s nice to leave shampoo and conditioner in the shower in case someone forgets to pack it.
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Check that everything works
No one wants to try and use something in a room only to find out it’s broken. Chances are your guests will have electronics that need to be plugged in, so make sure there are open, working outlets. Double check the television remote, lights, and clocks in the room. Are your blinds or curtains easily accessible? Do the doors lock? Inform your guests of anything they may need to know about the room.
Let there be light
You want your guests to be able to see clearly in the room whether it’s night or day. Show them where the light switch is. If you don’t have overhead lighting, make sure there is a lamp on the bedside table. Plugging in a night light is also a good idea in case your guest needs to get up in the middle of the night. They’ll be unfamiliar with their surroundings, so a night light is a welcomed addition.
Provide them with the basics
In the room, you should have an alarm clock, extra blankets and pillows, tissues, and a hairdryer. Go the extra mile and set out some luxuries. For example, fresh flowers or a robe and slippers can really make a guest feel like they’re on vacation.
Think of your house as a hotel or home away from home. Having guests stay over doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. This list will make your life easier when prepping a spare room for guests. Keep these tips in mind and your experience hosting will be nothing short of amazing!